Chemical synthesis involves the design and production of molecules, polymers, and extended solids with new structure and function. Chemical synthesis enables access to new drugs for the treatments for disease, leads to new catalysts that enables new reactions, and produces new extended solids with novel structural motives and improved physical properties. Our faculty focuses on synthesizing biologically-active molecules, catalytic metal complexes, ultra-hard materials, photoactive molecules, electroactive materials, and nanoporous materials for gas separations. A PhD degree in chemistry is your entry into the world of professional molecular problem solving. As a professional chemist or biochemist you will be expected to solve real world problems and have the opportunity to work on major societal issues, many of which are blur disciplinary lines. Lehigh Chemistry provides an approach to graduate education that trains students to be successful independent scientists in an increasingly interdisciplinary scientific world. Graduate students in the Department of Chemistry are engaged in research that ranges from exploring fundamental chemistry and biochemistry, to solving mission-based problems that are increasingly complex and transdisciplinary.<br>The Department of Chemistry at Lehigh University provides a unique and exciting program of study for graduate students. Our program is designed to provide students with a broad background in chemistry while simultaneously offering opportunities to do cutting-edge, multidisciplinary research. Faculty research areas include the traditional areas of chemistry: Analytical Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Biochemistry , Organic Chemistry, Computational Chemistry, Physical Chemistry. Our program is designed to provide students with a broad background in chemistry while simultaneously offering opportunities to explore cutting-edge, multidisciplinary research problems. Research opportunities are available in areas such as materials chemistry, biological chemistry, surface chemistry and nanoscience and technology, along with traditional disciplines of analytical, inorganic, organic and physical chemistry.